Welcome to the Morning Buzz, PRRI’s morning dose of religion-related news with a shot of data – because what doesn’t liven up a morning round-up like some public opinion numbers?

Would this gentleman have been able to convince the College of Cardinals to do some “Jesus yoga”? I guess we’ll never know.

The Maryland state Senate voted to repeal the death penalty yesterday. The bill will now proceed to the House of Delegates. Americans are nearly evenly divided on whether people who are convicted of murder should receive the death penalty, or life in prison with no possibility of parole.

A New York Times/CBS poll shows a disconnect between American Catholics and the church hierarchy on issues like ordaining women, birth control, and married men as priests. For more on American Catholics’ perspectives on important issues – especially whether the Catholic Church should adjust religious beliefs and practices or reaffirm traditional beliefs and practices – check out our factsheet.

For some, The Big Lebowski is more than a movie – it’s a spiritual guide. (And if you feel the same way about Nicholas Cage’s oeuvre, this is for you.)

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